Accommodating 8 guests, this vacation home features 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. It includes 2 separate living rooms, 1 outdoor pool, and 1 hot tub. Enjoy mountain views from the patio and yard while engaging in nearby rock climbing and swimming activities. The property is pet-friendly and offers access to tennis, pickleball, and golf.
Highlights
Room to spread out
Enjoy spacious layout that give everyone more room to relax.
Pickleball on-site
A rare find — enjoy pickleball without leaving the property.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Central home nested in magical garden near UofA with private pool&spa 4 BR/4BA
Welcome to your home away from home in central tucson.
Our charming home is centrally located in Tucson, 10 minutes from the University of Arizona. It is entirely walled by a 7 foot fence and remote controlled entrance gates, offering a secluded and safe heaven in town. Within the walls, our large magical desert garden has 3 majestic ancient saguaros, a variety of olive, citrus trees, and roses. The porches give you plenty of spaces where you can gather, sit, relax, work, dine etc while watching our many birds's hotels and enjoying the mountain views. At any moment, you can swim in the blue saguaro pool, or enjoy the jacuzzi! The large pool, big enough for laps, is designed to safety codes with surrounding fence and closing child-proof gate. And all this is within minutes of supermarkets, best restaurants, downtown, U of A, racquet and gym club, golf courses.
In the house, you'll be able to enjoy the luxury memory foam beds designed for a perfect sleep, and a well supplied kitchen (We like to cook).
The property has a main house and a guest house. The main house has two master bedrooms, each with a king bed and its own attached bathroom with shower. There is a smaller bedroom with a queen bed and closet with a near bathroom with shower off the living room. Each bedroom has its own door that opens on to the front or back garden. The guest house has a king bed, living room with its own cable tv, outside sitting area, and kitchen (refrigerator and microwave and seating area). It has its own bathroom with shower.
The house sits on a little hill and is completely surrounded by a seven foot fence, so it floats somewhat above the neighbourhood and gives unobstructed views to the north and east of the nearby Catalina mountains and foothills. It gives a truly unique experience of an 'old Tucson' gem in northeast central Tucson with a feeling of security and privacy.
Sit on the front porch and enjoy the view of the Catalina Mountains, or take a dip in the luxurious stone-decked pool. The giant saguaros, with their many birds and hummingbirds of all colors, are the main attraction of the garden (and one of the main reasons we bought the house!) They are ancient and majestic, and 200 years old plus. The saguaros and mediterranean trees, orange and lemon trees and roses invite birds of all sorts to this quiet natural sanctuary, where all the best Tucson attractions are at your fingertips. Bird seed provided and we encourage the guests to feed the birds. There are various sitting areas around the property, including a sitting area in front of hand crafted cheminea for outside fires. Wood is provided juniper and white pine.
The pool and oversized jacuzzi can be heated upon request and subject to weather conditions for an additional charge. In the wintertime we advise just heating the jacuzzi. We stop heating the pool on November 1 through March 1 as the nighttime temps are often below 40 degrees, even though the days can be above 70 degrees! That's the desert. The charge to heat the jacuzzi is $40 per day, the pool $60 per day. These are billed as supplemental invoices after a booking is completed and are charged in advance.
The side patio has a Weber propane grill and bar/seating area for dinner parties.
300 channels of Cox-provided cable television, broadband WiFi throughout the property, and a CD/tape stereo are provided, along with a decent library of CD’s. There is a large private library stocked with a variety of nonfiction and fiction titles. Not to mention a sizeable collection of Betty and Veronica and Archie comic books for the young ones.
Nest thermostat controlled heating/air conditioning in the main house via a powerful Trane HVAC . EV charging capability inside gates. 240v nema 14-50 outlet
The house was a ranch, constructed in the early 1940's, when this part of town was still completely undeveloped with giant saguaros and became part of an artist's colony. As Tucson evolved, the artist's colony was subdivided, but this property remained a rare 2/3’s acre lot that preserves a secluded desert feel right in central Tucson !
We have kept the Tucson spirit alive in the house with antiques, art, and a garden that still has a wild character. Native creosote bushes abound on the property, which many developers used to just tear up. They are now protected and give the garden it's unique smell during rain.
Ideally located just minutes from the University of Arizona, La Paloma and Lowes Ventana golf courses, the Tucson Tennis and Racquet Club, Refkin Tennis Center, Gem Show and Spring Training venues, it is also close to some of the city’s best restaurants and shopping places.
Tucson is becoming a bike city, there are dedicated bike paths everywhere. The house is 5-10 minutes from the Riilto Wash bike path, the longest and most known bike path that cuts for 15 miles plus through the center of Tucson and then loops all the way around Tucson for serious bikers. We find biking on the streets around the house and over to the shopping/restaurants on Campbell very easy as the streets are unusually wide and have very little traffic. Its a 15-20 minute ride to the University of Arizona campus. A cyclist's paradise! Bike to the Riilto Park Saturday farmer's market or to the Roasting Sage Coffee shop (voted best in town!).
Select grocery shopping at the Rincon Market /AJ's/Trader Joe's and the city’s best farmers’ market at St. Phillips Plaza. The new (and massive!) Whole Foods at River and Craycroft is 15 minutes from the house, and also reachable by the Riilto bike path. Upscale dining options include Vivace, Hacienda del Sol (voted #1 in Tucson) and Acacia restaurant. And local favorite El Corral. Don't miss the antiques on Country club ..., and Sammy's Sonoran hot dog stand at Country Club and Grant.
Convenient, affordable, and accessible day care options within ten minutes of the address.
Night-life at the historic Hotel Congress, Rialto Theater and Centennial Hall’s fine arts performances will keep you more than entertained. When you’re ready for adventure, take a day trip to Mt. Lemmon, Sabino Canyon or Saguaro National Park.
You will love the confort, privacy, and charm of this wonderful Tucson vacation getaway.
Perfect for snowbirds, families with children, hikers, golfers.. Tucson, vacation, rental, vacation rental, arizona, house, private pool, garden, central Tucson, u of a, ua, charm, confort, family, private, luxury, near university of arizona
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Peaceful Mid-Century Retreat with Pool and Hot Tub
Catalina Vista
Peaceful Mid-Century Retreat with Pool and Hot Tub
We require the VRBO "Verified Identity" badge to book and a follow up conversation with the renter within 5 days after booking.
No parties or entertaining groups over 10 people without permission from the hosts.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number 20757380
Property # 260512vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Unless agreed
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Tucson
Located in St. Francis Cabrini, a neighbourhood in Tucson, this holiday home is near theme parks. Shoppers can check out Tucson Mall, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Sabino Canyon and Saguaro National Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Tucson Convention Center or Reffkin Tennis Center. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby swimming, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours, cycling and mountain climbing.
Catalina American Baptist Church - 4 min drive - 2.3 km
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures - 5 min drive - 3.1 km
University of Arizona - 6 min drive - 3.5 km
Tucson Convention Center - 13 min drive - 8.0 km
Getting around
Tucson Station - 11 min drive
Tohono Transit Center - 15 min drive
Tucson International Airport (TUS) - 21 min drive
Restaurants
Circle K - 5 min drive
Circle K - 15 min walk
McDonald's - 4 min drive
Miramonte - 6 min drive
Dutch Bros Coffee - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Central home nested in magical garden near UofA with private pool&spa 4 BR/4BA have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Central home nested in magical garden near UofA with private pool&spa 4 BR/4BA?
As of 25 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Central home nested in magical garden near UofA with private pool&spa 4 BR/4BA on 5 Jun 2027 start from £1,121, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Central home nested in magical garden near UofA with private pool&spa 4 BR/4BA pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much is parking at Central home nested in magical garden near UofA with private pool&spa 4 BR/4BA?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Central home nested in magical garden near UofA with private pool&spa 4 BR/4BA?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Central home nested in magical garden near UofA with private pool&spa 4 BR/4BA?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Central home nested in magical garden near UofA with private pool&spa 4 BR/4BA located?
Located in St. Francis Cabrini, this holiday home is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from Tucson Botanical Gardens and 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from University of Arizona. Catalina American Baptist Church and The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures are also within 2 miles (3 km).
About the host
Hosted by Robert
Tucson is our escape from cold and rainy northern climates. We enjoy it all year round. Christmas, Spring, even the hot summer! As owners we have spent a half dozen Christmases at the house, as well as staying in the house during the hot summer month of June, and the atmospheric monsoon months of July and August. The best kept secret about Tucson? Its great any month of the year! We now have a son at the University of Arizona so even more reason to visit Tucson!
Why they chose this property
We love the convenient central location of this property and the magic of the house and grounds, filled with a peaceful spirit. The property combined easy access to central Tucson activities and life, but a sense of privacy as well with an inside/outside lifestyle that was immersed in nature. The mountain views are spectacular. We were a bit nervous to be isolated far outside of town or in the desert. We know our neighbors in the small community around us. The footprint of the property is almost half/2/3’s an acre, and to find a lot that big is rare in central Tucson. The house was part of an old artist's community built in the early 40's when literally nothing was around. The 150-200 year old saguaros which tower in the garden were there though, and the four of them on the property are rare. The saguaros sealed the deal for us. The property is completely fenced/walled, and sits up on a little hill from the street. From street level the top of the fence is almost 9 feet! So its very private and has the great, unobstructed mountain views.
With Tucson becoming more and more a bike town, the east west bike avenue will be one block from the house and enter service in 2024. Just ten minutes from the house is the Riilto Wash two way paved bike path, loaded with cyclists and joggers. The bike path links to the loop which will take you 360 degrees around Tucson. Heading west on the bike path will take you to the Phillips Outdoor Market and the Riilto Farmer's Market, heading east will take you to Whole Foods.
What makes this property unique
The very large lot with mature desert landscaping make this home a relaxing private retreat. We were able to build an oversized pool area and jacuzzi because of the large lot. The entry gates make for maximum privacy and easy exit/entry. We hope our guests will enjoy it as much as we do.
Languages:
English, French
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests